A while ago, before I retired, I was concerned for the welfare of my students on reading a piece discussing the alleged widespread use of the psycho-stimulant Retalin by Australian university undergraduates. As a performance enhancer it was said to often be accompanied by depressants to reverse the effects. For some, it may have served as an introduction to more addictive and even more pernicious ...

‘Restless Art’ and ‘Seagull Shaped’ are two bookends of a beautiful Manchester love affair that lasted just as long as it should have done, the latter due to be published in Best of Manchester Poets Volume 2 in December. The former - also about the indecision between two people - was originally called "Red", who provided much of the inspiration for the poem and, indeed, coined its eventual titl...